Psychologists are concerned about the rising number of suicides linked with depression in the country, and are calling on the vulnerable to reach out in times of need.
Amporn Benjaponpithak, director-general of the Department of Mental Health, told a recent event marking World Suicide Prevention Day, which fell on Sept 10, that "committing suicide indicates poor mental health".
Suicide has now reached record levels in the country. Figures from the department and National Suicide Prevention Centre put the rate of suicide in 2020 at 7.35:100,000 population, she said. The rate increased to 7.38:100,000 population last year, she said. On average, 4,820 people commit suicide in the country per year, she noted.
